The Achievers: If Not Given, Ask For It, Pallavi Shroff Says
Even though she hails from a legal background, Pallavi Shroff was always interested in business. So much so, that after her graduation, she enrolled at Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies in Mumbai. “Towards the end of the final year, I got engaged to Shardul (S. Shroff). Soon, I realised law was a jealous mistress. I did not want to compete for his time, so I joined him by studying law.”
That was a simple start to a career spanning four decades, during which Shroff has been regarded as one of the first competition law specialists and consistently counted among India’s most influential women.
The Inspirations at Home
Shroff’s journey has been an inspiration to young women but her source of inspiration was right next to her. “I have been inspired by my father and father-in-law. My father was the ultimate role model of how one should live life with humility and compassion. I try to live by this philosophy. His hard work, quiet and equanimity in the most difficult situations are awe-inspiring.”
Her father-in-law has been her ‘professional life’ inspiration. “His insight into matters, lateral thinking, depth of knowledge and ability to put everything together with ease and simplicity was phenomenal. He mentored me to achieve this.”
From her mother-in-law, Shroff learnt how to manage a home and a career at the same time and her mother is an inspiration even to this day. “She started her small home food catering business at the age of 90 after my father passed away and for the last five years, she has been running her home kitchen catering tirelessly,” says Shroff.
Creating Opportunities
As independent India marks its 75th anniversary, Shroff believes that women need more opportunities. “If this is done and unconscious biases are checked, women will rise. Women are contentious and hardworking and perhaps more efficient. They need mentors who can guide them in difficult situations in their lives and careers. Respect for women has to be top-down,” she explains.
As for her advice to aspiring women lawyers, it is as straightforward as most of her perspectives. She says, “If I could do it, so can you. Believe in yourself and there is nothing that you won't be able to do. Have patience, grit and determination. Grab every opportunity you get. If that opportunity is not given to you, go and ask for it.”
